Worms in dogs are a frequent problem for UK pets and their owners. They cause distress and ill health in our dogs and they can re-infest our pets at any time. Across the world there are many types of worms in dogs, or parasitic infections, but in the UK we deal primarily with just two. They are known as the roundworm and the tapeworm.
Roundworms cause difficulties when they are passed from one dog to another and more so when most puppies are born with an infestation. Roundworms look rather like short lengths of spaghetti. Mature worms live in the dog’s intestines and feed on the contents. This results in your dog’s dinner being shared as worms feed on its partially digested food. The amount of worms present depends on whether the infestation is very severe or not, but it is possible that dozens of worms could be present at any one time. Of course, it follows that a dogs which is being forced to share its food with large numbers of parasites will become malnourished. Severe infestations can lead to loss of energy and a dull coat. Diarrhoea and vomiting might also be caused. In puppies, roundworms may cause a distended abdomen and delayed growth. Puppies which are not treated for their roundworm infestations can actually die from intestinal blockage. It is also important to bear in mind that sometimes there will be no symptoms of worms in dogs. Regular worming treatment should still be used.
In adult dogs, some worm larvae can migrate around the body, settling in muscles and forming cysts. When the larvae has formed a cyst it cannot be killed by regular worming treatments. The larvae remain inactive in the body of the adult dog and are only reactivated in a time of stress. They normally become active during pregnancy and infest unborn puppies by migrating to the womb. This is why it is important to worm all puppies.
Worms in dogs can actually cause problems for people as well. Children are especially at risk because they are more likely to come into contact with worm eggs in soil whilst playing. Worm larvae can migrate through the child’s body and have been known to cause lasting eye damage if settling near the back of the eye. Regular worms in dogs treatment therefore protects the whole family and not just our pets.
